Description
This Snowy Poinsettia Martini is a festive and elegant cocktail perfect for the holiday season. It combines spiced rum, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and a homemade cinnamon-maple simple syrup for a warm, flavorful, and beautiful drink.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cinnamon Maple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- Peel from 1/2 orange (about two 2-inch long strips, avoid white pith)
For the Martini (per serving):
- 2 ounces spiced rum
- 1 ounce Cinnamon Maple Syrup (from recipe above)
- 2 ounces 100% cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau (or other orange liqueur like Triple Sec)
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Sugared rosemary sprigs
- Sugared cranberries
Equipment:
- Cocktail Shaker
- Martini Glass
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon Maple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, water, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir the mixture, then let it steep (sit undisturbed) for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar or airtight container, discarding the cinnamon sticks and orange peel.
- Let the syrup cool completely before using. This recipe makes enough syrup for 6-8 drinks.
2. Prepare the Martini:
- Chill Glass (Optional): Fill a martini glass with ice and water to chill it while you prepare the drink. Discard the ice water just before straining the cocktail.
- Combine Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the spiced rum, 1 ounce of the cooled Cinnamon Maple Syrup, cranberry juice, and Cointreau (or other orange liqueur) to the shaker.
- Shake: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold (about 15-20 seconds).
- Strain: Strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with sugared rosemary sprigs and/or sugared cranberries, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cinnamon Maple Syrup: This homemade syrup adds a unique warmth and depth. Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Spiced Rum: Use your favorite brand of spiced rum.
- Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice (often labeled “unsweetened” or “pure”) for the best flavor balance, as the simple syrup adds sweetness.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is recommended, but Triple Sec or another orange liqueur can be substituted.
- Sugared Garnishes: To make sugared rosemary or cranberries, brush them lightly with simple syrup or egg white, then roll them in granulated sugar and let them dry.
- Storage: This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately.